A tunnel was begun under the Thames here as early as 1876, by J.H. Gatehead. However, it was not completed.

The present tunnel was designed for the London County Council. It is consists of a cast iron tube, of 12ft 8in exterior diameter and made up by a series of rings, connecting the two vertical shafts that house the access stairs at each end. The tunnel measures 1,655ft between shaft centres.

Work began with the shaft on the north bank on May 1st, 1910. Tunnelling began on December 1st. The men worked three eight-hour shifts and managed an average of 8ft 4in every 24 hours.

Contractor: Walter Scott & Middleton